off

The word 'off' originates from Old English 'of', which functioned as an adverb and preposition meaning "away, away from." This Old English term is itself derived from Proto-Germanic 'af', carrying the same core sense of separation or movement away. The modern spelling with a double 'f' emerged in Middle English, likely to distinguish it from the preposition 'of' and to reflect a lengthened or emphatic pronunciation. Its journey from a concrete directional indicator to encompassing abstract states of disconnection, cessation, and spoilage demonstrates the semantic broadening of a fundamental spatial concept.

The word 'off' is a simplex adverb, preposition, and adjective derived from Old English. It functions as a core spatial and relational term in English.